Soccer: Call-up may force Rojas to choose

Marco Rojas is eligible for Chile and NZ. Photo / Getty Images

Marco Rojas has had a few decisions to make and he looks set to have to make another one - with the prospect of being called up to the All Whites for this month's games against China and Japan.

Ricki Herbert's side take on China in Nanning on March 25 and Japan in Tokyo four days later. The All Whites coach has said the games will represent the start of the campaign to qualify for Brazil in 2014.

It means Herbert is likely to pick a handful of youngsters with the potential to become integral members of the squad inside the next three years.

This includes Rojas, who made such an impact with the Phoenix this season, as well as Brisbane's Kosta Barbarouses and goalkeeper Jake Gleeson, who is with American MLS outfit Portland Timbers.

Rojas, who also qualifies for Chile, has been guarded about his international allegiance other than to say he's committed to helping New Zealand qualify for this year's Under-20 World Cup.

Playing for them would not affect his ability to play for Chile because it is an under-age side - it applies to senior football only.

Herbert looks set to pick Rojas in his 22-man squad for China and Japan, which would put pressure on the player to choose nationality.

Rojas' father Rodi has done most of the talking for his son lately and said this week Marco had to "leave his options open".

"It's a possibility [he will play for New Zealand] but he has to be picked first."

Rojas is a player of some talent but Chile, ranked 14th in the world and who made it to the second round at last year's World Cup, are a country stacked with players of considerable ability.

It's difficult to believe Chile would be tracking Rojas' development but, if he did opt for the South Americans, he would be a significant loss to New Zealand football.

Barbarouses has had a breakthrough season with Brisbane and was on the cusp of selection for the World Cup side last year.

He will add depth to an already strong front line alongside the likes of Shane Smeltz, Chris Killen, Rory Fallon and Chris Wood.

Gleeson impressed at the 2007 Under-17 World Cup in South Korea, earning trials with Manchester United and Everton, but was almost lost to the game as his career stalled. He's likely to be picked as the second goalkeeper behind Glen Moss, with Mark Paston unavailable because of injury.

The need to look to the future could work against veteran midfielder Simon Elliott, who would be nearly 40 at the 2014 World Cup.

Elliott recently picked up a contract with Chivas USA, his fourth MLS club, but his career is clearly winding down.

Of the 23-man World Cup squad, Andy Barron and James Bannatyne will both be missing, having retired from football, while Paston (broken leg), Leo Bertos (groin) and Jeremy Christie (hip) are all injured.

Winston Reid will miss the first game against China because of the suspension carrying over from his sending off against Paraguay but is expected to be in the squad.

Herbert wouldn't discuss individual selections but said it made sense to start bringing in younger players ahead of World Cup qualifiers.

"I will take some young players who haven't had international experience because it's important to get them into the programme now," he said.

"We want to be the best we can because they are massive games against good opposition but if you don't give players a chance now, when can you do it?

"I did it in the last programme and I'm not going to change tack now. I had a very successful recipe and I will go down the same pathway this time, too."

The initial squad - due to be named this week - will consist of 30 names but will be whittled down to 22 for the tour.

Herbert will then add another five players to the wider squad a couple of months later, with those 35 making up the basis of his squad to tackle the World Cup qualifiers.

Most of those additions will be eligible for the under-23 Olympic side, who will begin qualifiers in early 2012.

Herbert will get a better idea of some of the younger players, with the Olympic team due to work alongside the national side.

The All Whites boss met New Zealand Football chairman Frank van Hattum last weekend to nut out a programme for both sides to exist alongside each other.

"It's important for the development of players and staff that we do it all under one umbrella," Herbert said.

"It gives us a great chance to work with a broader group of players. The Olympic team is very important for New Zealand and there will be players across both teams. It's a great initiative."